Asked by: Mike Hill (Labour - Hartlepool)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will take steps to encourage network providers to zero rate (a) educational websites and (b) video conferencing systems used by schools, colleges and universities to allow people who use mobile data to access them without charge.
Answered by Matt Warman
The government is working with industry to identify measures that can help vulnerable families during this difficult time. The majority of the UK’s leading mobile network operators have agreed to provide free data uplifts to disadvantaged families with school-age children. This will support access to education resources including remote education activities direct from their schools.
We are pleased that all four of the main mobile network operators have committed to working with Oak Academy to zero rate the website, and EE is also zero-rating BBC Bitesize.
In addition, last year the government agreed a set of commitments with the UK’s major broadband and mobile operators to support disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers during the Covid-19 period. This included lifting data caps on all fixed broadband packages, and provision of new and generous landline and mobile offers, such as free or low cost mobile data boosts.
Asked by: Mike Hill (Labour - Hartlepool)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what support is available for circuses and travelling shows during the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Caroline Dinenage
My department is in constant contact with cultural sector representatives to assess the impact of Covid-19 on the sector and we are working to develop support for the sector in response to COVID-19. Significant support has already been delivered at speed by DCMS arm’s-length bodies. Arts Council England having launched a £160m Emergency Funding Package, the National Lottery Heritage Fund launching a £50m Heritage Emergency Fund, and Historic England launching a £2m Emergency Fund. All of these are delivering support across the cultural sector.
The Government continues to monitor the impact of these funds and the other measures announced by the government for the cultural sector.
DCMS is engaging daily with HMT and other government departments to ensure the needs of the cultural sector are factored into the developing economic response, and to support those working in the sector during this period.
Asked by: Mike Hill (Labour - Hartlepool)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will take steps to provide (a) financial and (b) other support for Hartlepool United; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Tracey Crouch
The Government does not provide financial assistance to professional sports clubs. I am however encouraged by the steps the community, fans and other stakeholders are taking to safeguard the future of Hartlepool United FC, and welcome the advice that Supporters Direct are providing.
Asked by: Mike Hill (Labour - Hartlepool)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool.
Answered by John Glen - Shadow Paymaster General
As Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, I would be delighted to visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, subject to diary commitments. Hartlepool has a fantastic maritime and industrial heritage and the museum plays an important role in telling the story of the North East’s contribution to Royal Navy heritage.
Asked by: Mike Hill (Labour - Hartlepool)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will ensure that subtitles are always available on the BBC Parliament television channel.
Answered by Matt Hancock
This is an operational matter for the BBC. However, the BBC has made a commitment to provide subtitles for 100% of scheduled live House of Commons coverage by 2019 and has met this target since September 2016. Subtitles are also provided for a proportion of the House of Lords coverage and of Select Committees.